Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Regis College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 typically signals reasonable financial footing for a bachelor's degree, but national benchmarks for multi-/interdisciplinary studies programs suggest a more challenging picture. Peer programs nationwide report first-year earnings around $35,000, which means graduates would be dedicating roughly three-quarters of their first year's income to typical student loans—a tighter squeeze than many families anticipate. What makes this particularly relevant for Massachusetts families: similar programs within the state show earnings closer to $39,500, suggesting Regis students might lag their in-state peers by several thousand dollars annually if this program follows the national pattern rather than the stronger state trend.

The gap matters because Massachusetts has a higher cost of living than most states, making that $4,000 difference more than a rounding error when paying rent in the Boston area. Interdisciplinary degrees can serve students well when they're part of a clear career plan—pairing coursework with internships, networking, or graduate school preparation—but they can also leave graduates competing for entry-level positions against candidates with more targeted credentials. At a school with an 89% admission rate, the value proposition hinges heavily on what students do beyond the classroom to build marketable skills.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether the specific combination of courses and connections at Regis justifies the estimated debt load when similar programs exist at lower price points. State universities in Massachusetts report outcomes in the same ballpark with potentially less borrowing required.